ps1

Your child has a much better grasp on angles than most kids of that age. If he sticks with it, he can be exceptional.

Welcome to the forums. I don't think you're gonna find alot of people around here who will tell you that full contact is bad. However, there is a direct correlation between the level of contact and the likelihood of injury. The best full contact fighters in the world don't spar full contact all the time. They deconstruct the skills and train them individually. They do full contact maybe once a week...sometimes even less, depending on their training cycle. So, to answer your question, I would say both. Full contact is certainly necessary, IMO, if you're looking for skill in combat situations. But doing it too often will break down the body for sure. That said, I see virtually no self defense benefit to point sparring. If you're doing light sparring, it should still be with combinations.

I have to take issue with this point. I was in the ATA, and the ATA has a camouflage belt. I think most people are more irritated that its not one of the "traditional" belt colors out there. The ATA has a 9 belt system before reaching black belt status. Each rank has basics, forms, and one-steps to learn for the test. I don't think a 9 or 10 colored belt system is too out of hand now days, nor do I think that it would necessarily mean the school is a McDojo. Fair enough, Brian. Keep in mind i did say that one or two of these things does not make a McDojo. I would agree that a 9 belt system is not excessive. However, there are ATA dojos that have far more than that. It just depends on the franchise owner. Does it matter how many belts someone has or gets? Unless you think their students are lagging behind because to large of a percentage of their training time is taken up with belt testing, I don't see how it matters. If you treat your purple belts like they treat their striped belts, or if they get their 7th belt with the same amount of effort that your students get their 3rd belt, that just makes your 3rd and their 7th belts equivalent. It doesn't mean that anyone learned anything different. Do people resent the frequency with which some people get patted on the back? No. Again, I'm being taken out of context. This is only one of many things that COULD go into a school being construed a McDojo. Please read my original post so you can understand the context.

I have to take issue with this point. I was in the ATA, and the ATA has a camouflage belt. I think most people are more irritated that its not one of the "traditional" belt colors out there. The ATA has a 9 belt system before reaching black belt status. Each rank has basics, forms, and one-steps to learn for the test. I don't think a 9 or 10 colored belt system is too out of hand now days, nor do I think that it would necessarily mean the school is a McDojo. Fair enough, Brian. Keep in mind i did say that one or two of these things does not make a McDojo. I would agree that a 9 belt system is not excessive. However, there are ATA dojos that have far more than that. It just depends on the franchise owner.

I agree that you should be able to continue the art. Hyperflexibility isn't dangerous to you in regard to receiving techniques. It just makes it difficult for the tori to perform them. That is to say, some moves won't work on you. I run across this in Jiu-Jitsu all the time. I see it alot with shoulder locks, armbars, and wrist locks. The key is to vary the angle of attack. However, because of the flowing and free moving nature of Aikido, that may not be as easy as it is in jiu-jitsu, where you have the opponent pinned/immobilized. Regardless, as skilled practitioner shouldn't require you to say it hurts. Over time, you can feel the point where the joints start to seize up. That's inevitably where it is beginning to have the ability to cause damage. In we tend to call this the "invisible jiu-jitsu." The ability to feel slight changes in body tension and movement that leads a practitioner to change direction or know when to stop a move.

Based on what you're saying; I would recommend your option 2. Don't do dan ranks. Just say black belt is a the highest rank. By that time, the student should be more interested in training than rank. If you want to have something above black, you can offer an instructor rank. Maybe it would be black with a stripe or something. From the standpoint of instructing; I would only recommend promoting black belts that are like minded with you. They should be willing to not care about dan ranks and be more interested in the acquisition of skill than rank. You're correct that any "legitimate" orginization will come with significant cost. For me to get 4th degree would have cost about $400. So I certainly unxerstand where you're coming from.

In chuan fa I earned it in 3 years. But I trained almost every day to do that. Literally, I trained 6 days a week. After that was Shotokan. That took me 1 year to earn shodan. I trained 2 times per day 4 days a week. Not to mention, my experience in the basics and prior martial arts experience was a great help. In Aiki Jujitsu, it took 3 years, training 3 days/week. BJJ, I'm scheduled to test (and fully expect to pass) March 1st after 9 years of training.

A sicko is a sicko. It doesn't matter if he's a well established and highly respected college football coach, a high profile jiu-jitsu coach with a big team that wins lots of medals, or a relatively unknown TKD instructor. They shouldn't be on the streets. Tell someone about what happened. Let the justice system sort out the rest.

I think you bring up an excellent point, Patrick. It stems from people automatically calling any successful school, that has alot of kids and charges high rates a McDojo. If an instructor teaches martial arts full time I certainly hope they are successful and have some nice things. For me, here's what gives a school McDojo Status: 1. Guaranteed rank promotions every "x" months. Also included would be a guaranteed rank by time "x." 2. Very long term contracts only. Requiring a person to sign for anything over 6 months is a bit excessive. 3. High price in combination with very restrictive schedule. If you're paying 150/month, you should not be limited to 2 classes per week. 4. Children teaching (by themselves) adult classes. It's one thing to learn responsibility by assisting the instructor. It's completely different to put a 16 yr old in charge of teaching adults without supervision. 5. Claiming to teach systems you've never fully learned. There are people that have learned a few joint locks..so they say they know jiu-jitsu. Or they know a low line round house and claim they do Muay Thai. It's fraud...and it's wrong. 6. Excessive number of belts that are added in specifically for the purpose of having more tests. For example: some places have a camouflage belt. 7. Closed minded instruction. McDojos are often run by instructors with poor confidence in their product. So they restrict the student's ability to train elsewhere. The instructor tells students that everything they need to know is contained in the McDojo. This not only limits students knowledge base, but also breeds the same into the student. 8. Nickle and Diming the students. It's one thing to have special programs available (black belt club, competition club ect). But some schools go so far as to require students to buy every piece of merchandise they offer. I visited a school that does not allow the student to show up wearing anything other than the school sweatpants and t-shirt and had to pack their equipment in a school bag and all their equipment had the school logo. 9. Claims of combat effectiveness in schools that never train in an alive environment. Of course no single one of these makes a McDojo. But as more and more of them begin to combine, the school begins aligning itself with McDojo status. Notice that none of these speak to the way the instructor lives or the possessions he/she acquires. To assume a martial arts instructor should lead a "humble" life is absurd. I fail to see how driving a Mercedes or owning the entire "i" line of products relates to their ability to teach martial arts.

What he's saying, Sensei8, is that the black belt you happen to hold is not a typical black belt. For one, you're a very high dan. Additionally, you have taken time to ensure you are not average...which is exactly why you have reached the level you hold. His original post speaks mostly toward a first dan...though that is not explicitly stated. The second point is that, at an alarming rate, people are often promoted based on meeting a minimum criteria. Rather than training to exceed the standard, they are training just to meet the standard. For example: when i tested for nidan, there were two "black belt" forms required. I made sure I was skilled in 4, just in case. I made sure I had an excellent grasp on the bunkai, which was not a requirement. I trained to exceed the standard. Many do not, sadly. I suspect you NEVER trained just to meet the MINIMUM standard. I also suspect you expect the same quality from your students. So it's no surprise that you weren't entirely sure what JusticeZero was saying; the very idea is foreign to you. His original point was not to point out the lack of skill in Karate. Rather to highlight the high level of skill and knowledge required to earn a BJJ black belt. In many arts, the black belt is where training starts. It means you have a good grasp of the fundamentals. This rank, in many cases, can be attained in 3 to 5 years. In BJJ, that same level (where the learning really begins) lies somewhere between blue and purple belt. In both arts that 3 to 5 year time frame is when the student tends to become familiar enough with combining the necessary components of techniques with their own body movements that they can begin to internalize components of the art. The tend to stop just mimicking techniques of others and come up with movement and combinations that work for them. In many arts, the required time from 1st to 2nd degree is 2 years and 3 years for 2nd to 3rd. If it took 5 years to earn shodan, you could be sandan in about 10 years time. That's about the time it takes to earn black belt in bjj. So, while there is still much to learn after earning black belt, you're not "just beginning" your training, as is common in many other arts. You are very skilled in and have a strong understanding of application, mechanics, and variations of techniques required to make the art work. The same is generally true of a sandan (3rd degree) or yandan (4th degree) in other arts. At 3rd degree in BJJ, the instructor generally earns the title of professor and are allowed to promote black belts of their own. Each degree in BJJ (up to 6th) represents 3 years of consistent training. That means, at a minimum, a 3rd degree black belt in Bjj has about 20 years of training. Notice that amount of time would often put other arts right around 5th degree. That's the level usually given the title of shihan and often required to promote to 3rd degree without outside supervision. So to sum up (based solely on time frames): BJJ Purple belt (~5yrs of training)= 1st dan in other arts (~5yrs of training) BJJ Black belt = 3rd dan in other arts BJJ professor (3rd degree)= Shihan (some arts use master, 5th dan) Shihan can usually promote somone up to 3rd degree alone Professor can promote up to Black belt ********************NOTE NOTE NOTE NOTE****************** This post is full of broad generalities and is based solely on my experience and observations (27 years of consistent training). For both BJJ and Karate there are certainly exceptions to these rules. The purpose of the post was an attempt to draw some very basic paralells that assist in illuminating where the ranks for BJJ stand in comparison to others (Shotokan Karate, specifically). It should also be noted that for me to say a purple belt in bjj is = to a black belt in karate is not meant to be an insult or judgement on effectiveness. It is an observation of how well internalized a practitioner's skill set tends to be at that given level.

That's all that needs said. The yandan should have taught the class.

The most important question is "in what area do you live?" Cost of living is everything. My prices are slightly lower than all my competitors around. I charge kids a $65 membership fee and adults a $100 membership fee. For that fee they are provided a gi, patch, and handbook. On top of that, Kids are $65/month and adults are $85/month. They receive a 10% discount for paying 3 months in advance and a 15% discount for 6 months in advance. Adults can have 7 classes available per week and the kids have 2 or 3 (depending on their skill basic or advanced). That said, the prices you're quoting are high, but no unheard of.

I'm the least expensive school in our area at $85/month for unlimited training(7 classes/week). There is a one time membership fee of $100. The family class (Gracie Bullyproof) is $65/month and there are 3 of those offered per week.

4 stripe brown belt- Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 3rd degree (black sash)- Chuan Fa 2nd degree - Shotokan (kwanmukan also, but I count them as the same rank) 2nd degree- Aiki Ju jitsu (kwanmukan and daito ryu)

Let's assume the student trains well and regularly. Let's also assume that the instructors are high quality. The difference between this student and the black belt students is only going to be superficial. 1. The student will not be wearing a black belt. 2. There may be "black belt level kata and one steps" the student hasn't learned. 3. Depending on the association, the student may not be allowed to teach. That's about it. Since an advanced technique is nothing but a basic technique performed more perfectly and with expert timing and placement, the student would easily be able to perform "advanced techniques." Pedro Sauer (8th degree Master of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu) is often quoted as saying, "A black belt is just a white belt who never bothered quit." And since there are no "black belt" or "advanced" techniques in Jiu-Jitsu, this is a very true assessment of a black belt. They simply perform the techniques with more leverage, less strength, better timing, and more sneakily than lower level students. So, to answer your question, the difference between a 3rd degree black belt, whose been training for 10 or so years, and a Brown (or red depending on the art) belt who's been training for 20 years? The brown belt is likely to be able to use physical techniques and mop up the floor with the black belt. But the black belt may be privy to kata (forms) and even instructors (who may be able to accelerate learning) and teaching techniques/methods that the brown belt is not. However, I feel that someone who doesn't want to be promoted, doesn't understand that the color of the belt doesn't matter. Further, I propose their mindset is no different than the person who yearns for the next promotion.

That I did, am seeking clarification. Based on my discussions with my Sensei, they are to make us think about the qualities that we would expect from someone at a particular grade, also about the journey one has taken to reach that goal. It's an interesting question. The words themselves are simply translated to denote a numerical level. Shodan = 1st level Nidan = 2nd level Sandan = 3rd level and so on. This grading system is used in more than just martial arts. So the character traits you're mentioning are, without doubt, assigned by your organization. That's important for you to know because you'll never get the correct answer outside of your organization.

People at the top of their respective professions (be it martial arts or business) have usually given everything and sacrificed alot to get where they are. They work longer hours, take part in fewer social events, and even avoid things they like (food, activities, alcohol) in order to get ahead. The sacrifices are painful, long, and difficult. But, in doing so, they usually learn and see much more than they typical 9 to 5er. Because of this, when an "average" worker or martial arts "hobbyist" questions their methods or techniques, it can be a bit off putting. Imagine a high school football player trying to tell a professional how to carry the ball...or someone fresh out of college trying to explain to Donald Trump how to make money. It can be both insulting and egotistical. So they often respond in kind. With that said, some people are just jerks. There is a myth out there that says Martial Arts instills "discipline and respect." It does not. It's up to the instructor to demand respect. To teach those without it that they will not get ahead without respect. Many young instructors promote people becaue they see the person is physically skilled. But they do not realize that the person should also display the moral characteristics you believe in. As a result, a jerk gets promoted higher than he/she should. Here's Relson Gracie talking about the importance he and his father put on the personal side of things. It's important because these people are going to be representing you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AjYuPFFEGc

Personally, I agree with Sensei8. But not everyone can/will commit that much time. lol Train as often as possible. But even more important is how you train. Don't allow yourself to be preoccupied by other matters such as work and outside life while you're in the academy. On top of that, work hard and never be afraid to try new moves. You see, it's no different than any other art. You will get out what you put in. Good luck.

Judo, BJJ, and Sambo are all really nice grappling arts. But they will take alot of time and effort to gain skill enough to determine what you can take from them and what you can leave. I'm biased toward BJJ for sure. But, only if they teach the whole art. I'm not really into places that just teach the sport aspects of it. Good Luck.

1. Never have to use it. 2. Allow myself to become engrossed by it...body and soul 3. Spread it to others so they can be as fortunate as me.

I agree. I've never had adults who act like that. But such negativity should be culled out.

Again I reiterate: Exercise is a terrible form of punishment. We live in a world where obesity is beginning to run rampant. Kids need to embrace exercise and fitness, not look at it as a punishment. Operant conditioning teaches us 4 methods of behavior modification: Positive Reinforcement: The addition of something desirable to encourage a desired behavior. ("Good job lifting that knee up high on your kick Billy." We've added public recognition for a desirable action) Negative Reinforcement: The removal of something undesirable to encourage a desired behavior. ("Billy, you did so well tonight you can sit out of soji." We remove Billy's undesireable cleaning duty to encourage his behiavior) Positive Punishment: The addition of something undesirable to discourage a behavior. ("Billy, you spoke out of turn, do 20 pushups." The pushups are the added stimulus designed to discourage speaking out of turn.) Negative Punishment: The removal of something desirable to discourage a behavior. ("Billy, you struck your partner. You will not test tomorrow." The desirable event of testing is removed to discourage the act of striking a partner.) I find combining as many types as possible, each time I want to correct a behavior, to be the most effective method. When some one acts up, I ask them to sit against the wall and not participate in class until I call them back into class. At that point I pay absolutely no attention to the student (that they can see). Once I see the student is calm and attentive, that's when I will call them back into class. Usually, it's less than 2 minutes. Here's what I've done: Negative Punishment: Removed public recognition by not paying attention Negative Punishment: Removed their ability to practice moves for a time Positive Punishment: Added solitude Positive Reinforcement: Add the ability to practice to reinforce appropriate actions the moment they occur. This tends to work very well wit kids due to their maturity level. With adults, it's very rare, but I simply call them out on inappropriate behavior. But adults tend to want to learn and be attentive all on their own. I just get annoyed seeing fat martial artists using exercise as punishment. What message is that sending to the kids?

Sorry Brian. I just saw this. Yes, you are right. The MT roundhouse is what I'm describing. However, it doesn't change much from low line to high level. The mechanics are the same. Unlike Karate, the MT kick doesn't really need to go up and then over to the target. It can come on a diagonal from the ground up to the head. What's important to facilitate this is the angle you get to your opponent. This way their shoulders and arm won't be in the way.

I did it in a few tournaments just for the fun of it. The price was the same whether you entered 2 divisions or 4 divisions. I guess the problem I always had with board breaking is the way the boards are cut. They are cut to be weak..with the grain. You can literally drop them against a hard floor and they will break. I found breaking to be no challenge what so ever. I did it and took 3rd out of 15 with no prior training in the skill. I can see the value it has for children. Especially in regard to overcoming fears. But any intelligent adult has to realize how fragile these boards are. I won't, however, say the same for bricks and tile. I broke 1 patio brick and found it a little challenging. I've never tried tile. To the initial question: I honestly feel absolutely no technique at all is required to break a board. A moderately sized adult can just put push on it to break it.

First, make sure you can do a hook kick (ushiro mawashi) without any spinning and not be off balance. Then, try adding the spin and not being off balance. You should feel like the spin is being generated from your hips, not you leg. As you come through on the kick, your leg should not feel like it's pulling on you. Meanwhile, Just work on jumping and spinning. Your goal should be to learn to jump a full 360 degrees and and land solid...no stumbling or falling. Once you have a good spinning hook AND you can do a 360 degree spin. The rest is just putting them together. I think you'll find it's really not that difficult. I would also recommend you learn to tuck the trailing leg also. He's just letting it hang down. Not my favorite way of seeing it.